A swift pint

Charles Wells of Bedford is one of the country's leading family-owned breweries, and is best known outside the Home Counties for its 4.3% draught Bombardier best bitter, which is widely available in the free trade. The bottled version weighs in at a hefty 5.5%, and packs quite a punch, which is rather fitting, considering that the inspiration for the beer was the boxer Bombardier Billy Wells (no relation).

Made with pale and crystal malts, and Challenger and Styrian Goldings hops, this deep copper-red ale has a superb aroma reminiscent of fresh tobacco, sultanas and spicy hops. Rich fruit and nutty malt dominate the palate, while sultanas, creamy malt and tart hops lead the charge in the long and increasingly bitter finish. It's a complex and deeply satisfying beer, costs £1.69 for a chunky 'imperial pint' bottle and is available from all major retailers. With regional brewers under sustained attack from international lager giants, we should support the likes of Charles Wells - think and drink local, not global.

About this article

A swift pint: Bombardier

This article appeared on p59 of the Weekend section of the Guardian
on Friday 20 October 2000.
It was published on
the Guardian website
at 21.05 EDT on Friday 20 October 2000.
It was first published at 21.05 EDT on Thursday 19 October 2000.